101 Stories: Kimber Sprawl

By The Children's Theatre

Celebrate TCT’s 101st season as it comes to a close as we applaud and appreciate those who contributed to the organization’s magic throughout our century-long journey.  During 10 weeks of recognition, we honor individuals who have been instrumental in the success of TCT, and who have not only helped TCT grow in mission, but also thrive, thanks to their passion.  It is these people and their moments in our history that shaped TCT to become what it is today. We encourage you to consider giving a gift in their honor to ensure the sustainability of TCT’s mission for the next 100+ years.

Kimber Sprawl is an alumna of TCT’s STAR Program and MainStage shows. She is now a Broadway star, most recently giving a breakout performance in The Girl From the North Country.

Ms. Sprawl says: “The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati changed the course of my life. I would not have had the experiences, the wisdom, or the courage I have if not for theater at a very young age.”

“It taught me discipline,” She continues. “It revealed a community. It gave me passion and purpose. I think because I had a great sense of purpose and a great sense of self, it didn’t let me deter my path.  You know what I mean? I became very focused, and I think children need that fire. They need that community of people that are like-minded— that are in their corner pushing them.  I had that at Children’s Theatre. It shaped me. It made me feel secure. And when you feel secure you make better choices!”

“TCT gave me my first job. I was in the 7th grade. I was in Cinderella, and I just remember thinking, “Wow! I’m a paid professional actress.”  And TCT always held everyone, even the children, to this professional standard.  This just made me feel like there was validity in my dreams, and they made me feel I had to constantly step up and raise the bar if I wanted to succeed.”

“I mean, it’s my humanity, so to imagine a whole world without theatre… that would be catastrophic to the development of a child. You never know what’s going to spark and inspire a child. It could be the shows they see or the classes they take, and I always say, “Children are born with the same amount of potential, but it’s their environment that shapes them.”

“It is up to us as artists, parents and leaders to fill them with much as much potential as possible. It is our job to create an environment for children that is plentiful and abundant. Theatre places a world of possibilities in front of them.”

Would you honor Kimber Sprawl with a gift to recognize the impact made on TCT?



From TCT’s production of SEUSSICAL JR. (2007)

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